Terrace ceramic tiles in gravel - Any experience?

We installed a terrace measuring 4x10 meters 4 years ago with 1x1 meter ceramic tiles, 2cm thick, laid in concrete; nothing has moved to this day. It will probably not move for the next several decades either. Our second terrace, about 15 sqm at the same house, was laid according to the same pattern. I have experienced that I prefer to spend money once rather than twice. Depending on how the base was prepared and possibly “shifts,” there can be nasty surprises! How big is the difference? For us, 5 years ago, the labor costs were 270 €/sqm (concrete) and 160 €/sqm (gravel) plus the cost of the tiles.

We laid a terrace measuring 4x10 four years ago with 1x1 meter ceramic tiles 2cm thick in concrete; nothing has wobbled to this day. It probably won’t wobble for the next decades either. Our second terrace, about 15 sqm at the same house, was laid following the same pattern. My experience has been that I prefer to spend money once rather than twice. Depending on how the substrate was prepared and possibly "works," there can be nasty surprises! How big is the difference? For us, five years ago, it was €270/sqm (concrete) and €160/sqm (gravel) for the work plus tiles.

Well, depending on the region, there can already be a difference today, especially if you don't have a big budget. For us, it was an €800 difference because the amount of work is different.

Well, depending on the region, it can already make a difference today, especially if you don't have a lot to spare. For us, it was an 800€ difference, since the amount of work is different.

That would definitely be worth it to me. If you have the certainty that you won't have to deal with this "construction site" anymore in the distant future.

The fact that we want to retrofit a pergola in a few years also plays a role for us. With glued tiles, that will probably be very difficult. I tend to do it as described by . 100x100 cm slabs and leave the joints 3 mm free.

I also sometimes talk to myself, which my wife occasionally finds annoying. But I haven't managed to do that in a public forum yet.

Now my question is, what other disadvantages do I have if I let 2cm be glued in mortar?

None. You only have advantages because of better installation, durability, and flatness. Either glue 2cm on drainage concrete or thicker and in gravel.